William H. Seward to William L. Dayton, March 2, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton

Sir: Your despatch of February 5, No. 265, has been received, and is approved.

Notice of the anticipated shipment of pistols from Paris will be given to the Secretary of the Navy.

Congress is on the eve of adjourning. Its measures are vigorous as well as judicious. We are not likely to seek a strife with any foreign nation, and certainly not with France. It has not been the fault of this government, nor even in harmony with its wishes, that apprehensions of unfriendliness on the part of our first and most constant ally have taken partial possession of some impatient minds in the country, and awakened popular debates in the press, and even in Congress. Notwithstanding these debates, this country will remain friendly henceforth and forever, if its rights and honor continue to be respected, as they have hitherto been by every government of France which has existed during the last half century.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,